The Coffee Kits

Chemex vs Pourover: Which is More Cost Effective for Coffee Lovers?

Coffee lovers around the world are always on the lookout for the best brewing method that can give them the perfect cup of coffee. Two of the most popular brewing methods are Chemex and Pourover. While both methods produce delicious coffee, the debate around which one is more cost-effective has been ongoing.

What is Chemex?

Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that was invented by a chemist, Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941. It has a unique hourglass shape made of glass and a wooden collar, which is used to hold the coffee maker while pouring hot water. The Chemex method involves using a thick paper filter, which traps most of the coffee oils and produces a clean, clear cup of coffee.

What is Pourover?

Pourover is a manual coffee brewing method that involves pouring hot water over ground coffee beans, which are held in a paper or metal filter. The process allows the water to extract the coffee flavor and oils, producing a rich and flavorful cup of coffee. Pourover brewing is typically done using a Hario V60, Kalita Wave, or a Melitta cone.

Cost Comparison

When it comes to cost, both Chemex and Pourover methods require some investment upfront. The Chemex coffee maker ranges from $40 to $50, while the Pourover equipment, including a brewing kettle, dripper, and filters, can cost between $50 to $100 depending on the brand and quality.

However, in the long run, Pourover is more cost-effective than Chemex. The reason is that Chemex uses thick paper filters, which are more expensive than regular paper filters used in Pourover. Moreover, Chemex filters are designed to trap most of the coffee oils, which can make the brewing process slower. This means that you may need to use more coffee beans to achieve the desired strength of the coffee.

On the other hand, Pourover filters do not trap as many oils as Chemex filters, which means that you can use fewer coffee beans to achieve the same strength. Additionally, Pourover filters are less expensive, and you can buy them in bulk, reducing the overall cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Chemex and Pourover are great brewing methods that produce delicious coffee. While Chemex is more aesthetically pleasing and may be more suitable for coffee aficionados who love a clean and clear cup of coffee, Pourover is more cost-effective and better for those who enjoy a more robust and flavorful cup of coffee.

Ultimately, the choice between Chemex and Pourover comes down to personal preferences and priorities. So, whichever method you choose, make sure to enjoy your cup of coffee to the fullest!